Central American University institutional logo

Central American University

Managua, Nicaragua • Founded 1960

Updated May 2026 · Source: uca.edu.ni · How we collect data

Overview

English Name: Central American University
Local Name: Central American University
Acronyms: UCA
Founded: 1960
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Motto: Somos UCA
Central American University institutional logo

Established in 1960, the Universidad Centroamericana (Central American University) is a private higher education institution located in the metropolis of Managua (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

Officially recognized by the Consejo Nacional de Universidades, Nicaragua (National Council of Universities of Nicaragua), Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) is a coeducational Nicaraguan higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.

This 63-year-old Nicaraguan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UCA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Address, contact details, and online presence for Central American University are summarised below.

Address: Rotonda Rubén Darío 150 metros al oeste P.O. Box 69
Map:
Phone: +505 (2) 278 3923
Fax: +505 (2) 670 106

Academic Details

Central American University's academic profile in numbers is listed below.

Academic Year: February to December (February-April; May-August; September-December)
Recognition: Consejo Nacional de Universidades, Nicaragua
Accrediting Agency: Consejo Nacional de Evaluación y Acreditación (CNEA)
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (bachillerato); Entrance examination required for some majors
Total Students: 8,850
Academic Staff Range: 800-899
Full-Time Academic Staff: 621
Memberships & Networks
Consejo Nacional de Universidades (CNU) International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) Asociación de Universidades Confiadas a la Compañía de Jesús en América Latina (AUSJAL)

Degrees

Also Postgraduate Diplomas

Doctoral 1 program
  • Law
Other 27 programs
  • Accountancy
  • Architecture
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Business Administration
  • Civil Engineering
  • Communication Studies
  • Computer Networks
  • Criminal Law
  • Cultural Studies
  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Finance
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Graphic Design
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Tourism

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Consejo Nacional de Universidades, Nicaragua.

Innovation (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Xabier Gorostiaga, S.J. (Chair) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Development Studies
  • Educational Sciences
Economics and Business Administration (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Tourism
Humanities (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Communication Studies
  • Development Studies
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Law
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
Science, Technology and Environment (Faculty) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Networks
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Graphic Design
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Telecommunications Engineering
History of Nicaragua and Central America (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • History
  • Latin American Studies
  • Regional Studies
Natural Sciences (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Natural Sciences
Research and Development (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
Social Sciences (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Social Sciences
Training, Research and Environmental Development (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Studies
Juan Roberto Zarruk - Jinotega Biological Station (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
Julio Lopez de la Fuente S.J. Solar Station (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Meteorology
Molecular Biology (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Molecular Biology

Frequently Asked Questions about Central American University

Concise answers to common questions about Central American University.

When did Central American University open?

Central American University traces its founding to 1960 (approximately 66 years ago).

What city is Central American University in?

Central American University operates from Managua, Nicaragua.

Is Central American University a public or private institution?

Central American University is a private institution.

How big is Central American University's student body?

Central American University serves approximately 8,850 students.

Does Central American University have a religious affiliation?

Central American University operates within the Christian-Catholic tradition.

Is Central American University officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Consejo Nacional de Evaluación y Acreditación (CNEA).

What is Central American University's official website?

You can find Central American University online at www.uca.edu.ni.

Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)

Central American University and the universities below are both members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU).

Other Nicaraguan Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic

Central American University and the universities below share a Christian-Catholic affiliation.

Faculties at nearby universities

Below are universities in the same area as Central American University.

Universities Compared with Central American University

The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to Central American University.

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